Hello, my name is George. I have been a hand tool woodworker for many years, but 6 months ago dipped a toe into the power world by getting a Rikon 1218VS midi lathe. I made a beer tap handle (in cherry) for a friend as well as a few gunsmith-style screwdrivers and a London pattern handle for a brad pusher (all in dogwood).
I also have a question for you more experienced hands. How tightly should I tighten the quill on the tailstock? I had been advancing it just to the point where the blank seemed not to move with respect to the drive center and that has functioned fine. But I got a Sorby Steb center, thinking it might be more forgiving of catches. It seems to me that in order for the central spring-loaded point to retract far enough for the outer ring of teeth to engage the wood, it required a lot of tightening of the quill, and I have worried it might damage the bearings.
Any thoughts?
I also have a question for you more experienced hands. How tightly should I tighten the quill on the tailstock? I had been advancing it just to the point where the blank seemed not to move with respect to the drive center and that has functioned fine. But I got a Sorby Steb center, thinking it might be more forgiving of catches. It seems to me that in order for the central spring-loaded point to retract far enough for the outer ring of teeth to engage the wood, it required a lot of tightening of the quill, and I have worried it might damage the bearings.
Any thoughts?